JP2022516348A - Flash lamp cartridge and decontamination unit for decontamination - Google Patents

Abstract

The flash lamp cartridge (1) for the decontamination unit (100) includes a flash tube (10) for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulse shape and a sheath (20) surrounding the flash tube (10). There is.

Description

The present invention relates to a flash lamp cartridge for decontamination, which comprises a flash tube for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulsed manner. The present invention also relates to a decontamination unit provided with a flash lamp for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulsed manner.

The field of the present invention is the decontamination of objects, such as packaging containers or parts thereof in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Dry decontamination by ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used, especially in the food industry, to decontaminate food containers such as bottles and cans, especially before filling the containers. Decontamination improves the shelf life of packaged products. Containers and / or foods (including beverages or dairy products) are exposed to UV radiation on the production line to eliminate microorganisms on their surface to the desired degree or level of decontamination.

Decontamination of containers by irradiation with UV radiation is a well-known technique and is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. This technique utilizes the ability of UV radiation to extinguish cells and microorganisms by photochemical and photothermal effects.

The photochemical effect is brought about by the absorption of UV radiation by microorganisms. The photochemical effect causes breakage and the formation of aberrant bonds within the DNA molecule, thereby inhibiting normal DNA replication. Microbial protein production or cell metabolism is blocked and killed.

The photothermal effect is obtained by pulsed UV radiation and is brought about by delivering high energy to the microorganisms in a very short time. Radiation absorbed by microorganisms causes a sharp rise in internal temperature, breaking cell membranes.

The effectiveness of decontamination of pulsed UV light has been demonstrated against a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, molds and viruses. A portion of the UV radiation (200-300 mm) contained in the flash will eliminate the microorganisms present in the product being treated. The photochemical effect has an absorption maximum of about 200 nm and 247 nm, respectively. Other ranges that are considered particularly effective for decontamination have local maxima in the range of 220 nm or 265 nm.

The optical pulse can be generated by a flash lamp. Commonly used are, for example, xenon flash lamps. The flashlamp is operating in pulse mode. Electrical energy is stored in the electrical capacitor. A high voltage (several tens of kV) signal triggers an arc discharge in the gas contained in the lamp. The released electrical energy causes the emission of light by ionization of the gas. Xenon is an inert gas that is very efficient in converting electrical energy into light energy, especially in the UV wavelength range. Other noble gases can also be used. The gas pressure used (equal to or greater than 1 bar) provides a continuous flash spectrum. This spectrum consists of wavelengths from UV to near infrared (200 nm to 1100 nm).

The resulting decontamination level depends on the number of flashes emitted and the nature of the treated surface, ranging from mere logarithmic reduction (disappearance of some microorganisms) to complete sterility (nearly complete extinction of microorganisms). ..

Examples of using pulsed UV radiation for decontamination in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries are described in US Pat. No. 4,910,942. Different systems of decontamination using pulsed ultraviolet radiation include European Patent No. 28805912, US Pat. No. 9,809,435, US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/01/93775, and International. It is described in Publication No. 2017/157550.

These systems suffer some disadvantages when attempted to be used for industrial scale applications, especially in the food or pharmaceutical industry. Typical flashlamps have a relatively complex design, which makes their maintenance, assembly and repair complicated and time consuming. The main challenge is to ensure the effectiveness of decontamination over the extended life of the flashlamp. To ensure this, in most applications, flashlamps are replaced at regular intervals, leaving considerable safety precautions. In addition, considerable effort is spent cooling the flashlamps using a refrigerant fluid (mainly deionized water) to extend the life. However, the water cooling system described in US Pat. No. 9,809,435 and the like is quite large and therefore cannot fit in a confined space. In addition, the required refrigerant fluid circuits create additional safety and failure risks, making the entire system more intricate and further complicating assembly, installation and repair.

In production plants used for mass production, it is desirable to use reliable, simple and efficient decontamination tools to ensure a continuous production workflow. If one decontamination device in a food processing plant does not function properly, the product affected by the failed tool must be discarded for health and safety regulations, or the entire production line is interrupted. The decontamination tool must be replaced.

Some production equipment uses so-called "wet" decontamination equipment. This is because these devices are generally relatively small and easy to maintain. Wet decontamination tools apply a fluid decontamination medium, such as hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, to the surface of a food container. One such system is described in US Pat. No. 9,339,573. However, fluid decontamination media are highly toxic and are therefore problematic during food processing and in general environmental, health and safety considerations.

An object of the present invention is, in general, to overcome, at least in part, the shortcomings of the prior art.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tool for dry decontamination that eliminates the use of toxic decontamination fluids. A further object of the present invention is to achieve easy decontamination of maintenance, assembly, installation, removal, disassembly and / or repair. A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination tool that is easily used in large-scale industrial production equipment. Another object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination tool that eliminates the need for refrigerant fluids. A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination tool that can be easily handled even by an inexperienced person. A further object of the present invention is to minimize environmental, health and safety risks to both the consumer of the product treated by the decontamination tool and the operator working with the decontamination tool, or at least one of them. To provide a tool. A further object of the present invention is to provide a particularly reliable decontamination tool capable of operating over a long extended life. A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination tool with small dimensions so that it can be fitted within a limited space. A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination tool that enables mass production in a food processing factory. A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination tool capable of reliably delivering the required irradiation dose over a predetermined extended life of the tool. A further object of the present invention is to efficiently and reliably decontaminate an object, particularly a flat object area. A further object of the present invention is to decontaminate an object, especially a flat object area, at a log reduction level of at least 2 (log2) or at least 3 (log3) or at least 4 (log4).

A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination tool suitable for operating in a non-sterile environment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination unit as a decontamination tool. A further object of the present invention is to provide a flash lamp cartridge for a decontamination tool. A further object of the present invention is to provide a decontamination array for mass production equipment using a plurality of decontamination units.

Contribution to at least one, preferably multiple, at least partial realizations of the above object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims realize a preferred embodiment that contributes to at least a partial realization of at least one of the objectives.

Outline of the Invention In the first embodiment of the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge for the decontamination unit includes a flash tube for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulse shape and a sheath surrounding the flash tube. A decontamination unit capable of using the flash lamp cartridge according to the present invention is for decontaminating any target substrate including food, food containers and / or components of food containers, such as container bodies or container closures. May be used for. The container body may include a can body, a bottle body, a bottle preform, a cup, a plate and the like. The container closure may include a lid including a can lid, a cap including a bottle cap, and the like. Decontamination may include mere logarithmic reduction (disappearance of some microorganisms) or complete sterilization (nearly complete extinction of microorganisms). In particular, decontamination may refer to at least 2 (log2) or at least 3 (log3) or at least 4 (log4) log reduction levels. According to aspects of the invention, the flashlamp cartridge comprises a sheath and a flashtube disposed within the sheath. The flash lamp cartridge may be composed of a sheath and a flash tube arranged therein. The sheath provides a barrier between the flashtube and its environment. The sheath blocks the flashtube from the environment. The sheath allows only pre-defined environmental media, including electricity and gas, to enter and exit the flashtube.

In Embodiment 2 according to the present invention, the flashlamp cartridge is realized by Embodiment 1, and the sheath is at least one having one or more medium connectors extending through the sheath to feed the flashtube. It has a port. In particular, the sheath comprises exactly one port or exactly two ports. One or more ports in the sheath may be the only gateway for environmental media to enter and exit the flashtube.

In Embodiment 3 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by Embodiment 2 and includes two ports on different sides of the flash lamp cartridge. By providing the ports on exactly two or more sides of the flashlamp, the cross section of the port, and thus the cross section of the flashlamp cartridge, may be limited so that the cartridge can fit into a narrow confined space.

In Embodiment 4 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by Embodiment 3, and two ports are arranged at the opposite ends of the flash lamp cartridge. The cartridge may define an axial direction aligned in the extending direction from the first end to the opposite second end. The ports may be coaxial with each other.

In Embodiment 5 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by any one of Embodiments 2 to 4, and has exactly two ports.

In Embodiment 6 according to the present invention, the flashlamp cartridge is realized by any one of Embodiments 2 to 5, and at least one port is the following medium connector, that is, (i) an electrode connector, (ii) a trigger. It comprises at least one of a connector, (iii) grounded connector and (iv) refrigerant connector. The at least one medium connector may extend along the axis of the cartridge. The electrode connector may be centered in the area defined by the port. For flashlamps that have ports on opposite ends of the cartridge, the electrode connectors on the ports at both ends may be arranged coaxially with each other, and may be particularly concentrically aligned. The media connector may be arranged in the same port at a radial offset with respect to the electrode connector. The media connector may be arranged parallel to the electrode connector. The plurality of medium connectors may be arranged so as to surround the electrode connectors in the circumferential direction. The plurality of medium connectors may be arranged concentrically with respect to the electrode connectors.

In Embodiment 7 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by Embodiment 6, and exactly one port includes a trigger connector.

In Embodiment 8 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by Embodiment 6 or 7, and the first port is a first electrode connector, a first ground connector, a first electrode connector and a first. It has a protruding insulator placed between it and the grounding connector. In particular, in the cartridge, the second port is a second protruding insulator arranged between the second electrode connector, the second grounding connector, and the second electrode connector and the second grounding connector. May be equipped with. The first and / or optionally the second protruding insulator may extend axially to at least the same length as the shorter of the respective electrode or ground connectors.

In Embodiment 9 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by any one of Embodiments 6 to 8, and includes a first refrigerant connector and a second refrigerant connector, and the first refrigerant connector and the first refrigerant connector. With the second refrigerant connector, the first refrigerant connector realizes the refrigerant inlet, and the second refrigerant connector realizes the refrigerant outlet.

In embodiment 10 according to the invention, the flashlamp cartridge is realized by any one of the embodiments described above, the sheath comprising at least a partially tubular tubular body surrounding the flashtube. The tubular body may be manufactured from an electrical insulator. The tubular body may be provided with or constructed of a sterile material. The tubular body may be provided with or constructed of a UV resistant material. The tubular body may include or be composed of an opaque material. The tubular body may concentrically surround the flashtube. The tubular body may be aligned coaxially with the flashtube. The tubular body may be coaxially aligned with at least one medium connector, in particular at least one electrode connector, preferably two electrode connectors. The tubular body may be made of or made of metal, in particular stainless steel or aluminum, and may be electrically connected to at least one grounding connector on the cartridge.

In the eleventh embodiment according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by the tenth embodiment, and a hair tube made of an electric insulator placed between the flash tube and the tubular sheath body and a trigger wire placed in the hair tube. And further equipped. Capillaries may be used in conjunction with tubulars made from conductive materials such as stainless steel or aluminum to avoid sparks between the trigger wire and the tubulars. In particular, the tubular body may comprise or be composed of at least one of a metallic material, preferably stainless steel or aluminum, a ceramic material, or a polymeric material, preferably PEEK.

In Embodiment 12 according to the invention, the flash lamp cartridge is implemented by embodiment 10 or 11, the tubular body comprises at least one axial end, and the sheath closes this at least one axial end. It is further equipped with at least one removable cartridge cap for use. The cap may be manufactured from an electrical insulator. The cap may be provided with or constructed of a sterile material. The cap may include or be composed of a UV resistant material. The tubular body may include or be composed of an opaque material. In particular, the cap may comprise or be composed of at least one of a ceramic material, or a polymeric material, preferably PEEK.

The sheath may include a tubular body and exactly one, exactly two or more caps. The tubular body may have a tubular cross-sectional shape. In particular, the tubular body may have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. At least one cap may have a tubular cross-sectional shape. In particular, at least one cap may have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The tubular body and the cap may be aligned concentrically and / or coaxially. At least one cap may form a port. At least one medium connector may be formed on and / or in at least one cap. The cap may include at least one protrusion and / or at least one recess for at least one medium connector. The cap may include at least one protrusion and / or at least one recess to implement at least one mounting feature. The at least one convex and / or at least one concave portion of the cap is orthogonal to the cap in the axial direction (of the cap and / or the cartridge) and / or radially (in the transverse direction with respect to the axial direction, preferably orthogonal). May be offset. The cap has at least one convex and / or at least one recess offset axially with respect to the cap and at least one convex and / or at least one recess offset radially with respect to the cap. May be equipped. At least one medium connector may be located on the cap and face axially to provide a connection to the axially oriented interface of the decontamination unit. At least one medium connector may be located on the cap and face radially to provide a connection to the radial interface of the decontamination unit.

In embodiment 13 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by any one of the above-described embodiments, and the sheath is provided with a transparent window. The sheath may be provided with exactly one transparent window. The transparent window may be provided with or constructed of glass, in particular quartz glass. The transparent window may be centered on the sheath in the axial direction. The transparent window may be arranged in a preferably radial hole in the tubular body. The transparent window may be closed by sealing the hole in the tubular body. The transparent window may be press-fitted and / or glued to the tubular body. The transparent window may have an outer surface aligned with the outer surface of the tubular body, particularly aligned to form a common surface without undercuts and / or acute angles. In embodiments, the transparent window is attached to the sheath with an adhesive. The adhesive may include or be composed of a polymer, in particular a duromer. The adhesive may be a cured epoxy resin.

The transparent window may be realized as a tubular sleeve-shaped axial division of the sheath. A transparent window may completely surround the flashtube in the circumferential direction. The axial extension length of the window may correspond to the distance between the electrodes of the flashtube, in particular the distance between the cathode and the anode.

In the 14th embodiment of the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by the 13th embodiment, and the components other than the window of the sheath are opaque.

In embodiment 15 according to the invention, the flashlamp cartridge is realized by any one of the embodiments described above, and the sheath is at least one for properly aligning and orienting the cartridge in an accommodating portion such as a slot. It comprises one mounting feature, particularly at least one radial convex and / or at least one axial convex. The sheath may include at least one protrusion and / or at least one recess to implement at least one mounting feature. The protruding mounting feature portion may be a protruding portion integrally formed with the sheath, a pin attached to the sheath, a mating portion, or the like. The at least one mounting feature may be designed so that the mechanical stress of holding the flashlamp cartridge against the decontamination unit is not applied to at least one medium connector, preferably all media connectors.

In embodiments according to the invention, the flashlamp cartridge is implemented by any one of the embodiments described above, and the sheath comprises at least one annular mounting feature that projects axially. The annular protrusion of the cartridge may have a shape complementary to the annular recess of the accommodating portion of the first or second socket of the decontamination unit. The annular protrusion of the cartridge may have a shape complementary to the annular recess of the accommodating portion of the interface of the decontamination unit. The cartridge may include a combination of a protruding annular mounting feature and one or more mounting features protruding axially or radially. The cartridge will be accommodated by a first port with a first annular protrusion that will be accommodated by the accommodating portion of the first socket and an accommodating portion of the second socket of the second connector. It may have a second port with a second annular protrusion. The first and second annular protrusions of the cartridge may extend in different directions, particularly in opposite directions in the diametrical direction. The annular protrusion may extend throughout the circumferential direction, especially along the outer perimeter of the tubular cartridge. The annular protrusion may be arranged at this port such that one or more of the cartridge ports, in particular all the media connectors, are radially located within the annular protrusion. The annular protrusion of the port may extend more axially than one or more, in particular all, medium connectors of the port. Utilization of axial ridges, especially annular ridges, has been shown to be advantageous in protecting the medium connector of the port from mechanical damage. The annular protrusion may be provided with or constructed of a polymeric material, in particular PEEK.

In embodiments according to the invention, the flashlamp cartridge may include mounting tabs. The mounting tab may be hinged to the cartridge. The mounting tab may extend from the cartridge in a first radial position with respect to the tubular body of the cartridge and / or in a second axial position with respect to the tubular body of the cartridge. Preferably, the flashlamp cartridge comprises only one particular tab attached to the first or second axial end of the cartridge. Preferably, the flashlamp cartridge comprises only one particular tab attached to the first or second port of the cartridge.

In embodiment 16 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by any one of the above-described embodiments, and the refrigerant chamber is arranged between the sheath, particularly the tubular body, and the flash tube. Refrigerant chambers may be placed concentrically and / or coaxially between the flashtube and the sheath, especially the tubular body. The refrigerant chamber may radially separate the flashtube from the sheath, especially the tubular body.

In the 17th embodiment of the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by the 16th embodiment, and the refrigerant chamber extends from the refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant outlet. The refrigerant chamber may extend axially from the first cap to the second cap of the sheath. The refrigerant chamber may extend axially along the entire flashtube.

In embodiment 18 according to the invention, the flashlamp cartridge is implemented according to embodiment 16 or 17, the refrigerant chamber surrounds the flashtube in an annular shape, particularly so as to separate the flashtube from the sheath.

In embodiment 19 according to the present invention, the flash lamp cartridge is realized by any one of embodiments 16 to 18, and the refrigerant chamber is filled with a gaseous refrigerant. Preferably, there is no liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant chamber, especially while the flash lamp cartridge is operating effectively for decontamination (ie, while voltage is being applied to the electrodes of the flash lamp cartridge).

In Embodiment 20 relating to the decontamination unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the decontamination unit is provided in a housing particularly surrounding the sterilization chamber for dry sterilization and a housing for inserting the sterilization object into the sterilization chamber. It comprises an aperture and a flash lamp for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulsed manner, particularly a flash tube, preferably a flash lamp cartridge comprising a flash tube according to at least one of embodiments 1-19. The flashlamp is placed in the housing to illuminate the object within the germicidal chamber. According to aspects of the invention, at least one slot is formed on the outer surface of the housing, said at least one slot extending into the sterilization chamber to accommodate the flashlamp. The slot forms a recess that can be shaped to accommodate the flashlamp that will be inserted into it. In particular, at least one section of the slot may be formed particularly corresponding to at least one section of the flashlamp cartridge according to any one of embodiments 1-19, particularly one section of the cap of the cartridge, thereby. When the flashlamp is housed in at least one slot, the flashlamp of the cartridge, preferably the flashtube, is arranged to illuminate the object in the sterilization chamber. Such a slot serves as a housing for the flash lamp. At least one slot accommodates at least one mounting feature of the flash lamp, especially the flash lamp cartridge, especially the cap of the cartridge so that the alignment and / or orientation of the flash lamp with respect to the decontamination unit can be identified. It may include at least one mounting feature in the shape of the shape.

In one embodiment, the decontamination unit may be configured to operate in a non-sterile environment. The sterilization chamber may provide a clean environment with clean room class ISO 6 or higher, ISO 5 or higher, ISO 4 or higher, according to DIN EN ISO 14644-1 (2015). The sterilization chamber may provide a clean environment with EU-GMP class D, C or higher. The environment around the decontamination unit may correspond to an environment that is not as clean as the environment of the sterilization chamber.

In embodiment 21 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by embodiment 20 and further comprises at least one socket that has an interface connected to a flash lamp and is attached to a housing.

In embodiment 22 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 21, and the socket is attached to the outer surface of the housing, in particular the outer surface on which the slot is formed.

In embodiment 23 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 21 or 22, and the socket covers the slot. In particular, the slots are completely covered by the sockets. The socket may form a barrier against UV radiation from within the sterilization chamber towards the perimeter of the decontamination unit. The socket may form an airtight barrier between the sterilization chamber and the perimeter of the decontamination unit, especially against overpressure.

In embodiment 24 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by any one of embodiments 21 to 23, and the socket attaches the flash lamp to the housing dissociably and securely. In particular, at least one section of the socket is particularly formed to correspond to at least one section of the flash lamp cartridge according to any one of embodiments 1-19, in particular one section of the cap of the cartridge to provide a flash lamp. You may hold it firmly.

In embodiment 25 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 24, the interface comprising a mounting feature for defining a pre-defined orientation and / or alignment of the flashlamp with respect to the housing. The interface is shaped to accommodate at least one mounting feature of the flash lamp, especially the flash lamp cartridge, especially the cap of the cartridge, so that the alignment and / or orientation of the flash lamp with respect to the decontamination unit is specified. It may include at least one mounting feature.

In embodiment 26 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 21 to 25, the interface includes at least one medium connector for supplying to the flash lamp, and the medium connector is (1). It comprises at least one of i) an electrode connector, (ii) a trigger connector, (iii) a grounded connector, and (iv) a refrigerant connector.

In embodiment 27 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 21 to 26, and the decontamination unit includes a first socket and a second socket, preferably a decontamination unit. Has exactly two sockets.

In embodiment 28 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 27, where the first socket defines the first interface and the second socket has a second interface different from the first interface. Prescribe.

In one embodiment, one of the first or second sockets may include a housing for mounting tabs on the flashlamp cartridge. In one embodiment, one of the first or second interfaces may include a housing for mounting tabs on the flashlamp cartridge. The mounting tabs may be securely, particularly immobile, or hinged, mounted on the flashlamp cartridge. The mounting tabs may be brackets, lugs, ears, straps, etc. that extend radially with respect to the axial extension of the flash lamp cartridge. The tab selectively provides a handle for the manual operator to grip the tubular cartridge in the axial direction, insert the cartridge into the decontamination unit, and / or remove the cartridge from the decontamination unit. Therefore, the cartridge can be easily handled.

In embodiment 29 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 28, where only one of the first socket and the second socket comprises a refrigerant supply line and the other comprises a refrigerant discharge line. There is.

In embodiment 30 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by embodiment 29, and the refrigerant supply line and the refrigerant discharge line are filled with a gaseous refrigerant. Preferably, there is no liquid refrigerant in the supply line and the refrigerant discharge line, especially while the flash lamp cartridge is in effective operation for decontamination (ie, while voltage is being applied to the flash lamp electrodes).

In embodiment 31 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 28 to 30, and the first socket and the second socket are the flash lamps for the first and second sockets. It has different mounting features for defining pre-defined orientation and / or alignment.

In the 32nd embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of the 28th to 31st embodiments, and only one of the first socket and the second socket includes a trigger connector.

In the 33rd embodiment according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of the 20th to 32nd embodiments, and the slot firmly holds the flash lamp.

In embodiment 34 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 20 to 33, and the decontamination unit includes a first slot and a second slot, preferably a decontamination unit. Has exactly two slots.

In the 35th embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by the 34th embodiment, and the first slot and the second slot penetrate different inner surfaces of the sterilization chamber.

In the 36th embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by the 35th embodiment, and the first slot and the second slot penetrate the inner surfaces of the sterilization chamber facing each other.

In the 37th embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by the 35th or 36th embodiment, and the first slot and the second slot are aligned with each other. In particular, the first and second slots are coaxially aligned.

In the 38th embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of the 33rd to 37th embodiments, and the first slot and the second slot are the same flash lamp, particularly the same flash tube, particularly the embodiment. Accommodates the same flashlamp cartridge according to any one of embodiments 1-19.

In embodiment 39 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by any one of embodiments 20-38, and the sheath separates the flashlamp from a section of the sterilization chamber containing the sterilization object. In particular, the sheath is the sheath of the flash lamp cartridge according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19.

In embodiment 40 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is realized by embodiment 39 and the sheath comprises an opaque section and a transparent window.

In the 41st embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of the 20th to 40th embodiments, and the sealing member such as the O-ring is a flash lamp, particularly the sheath of the flash lamp, preferably the embodiment. Placed between the sheath of the cartridge by any one of 1 to 19 and the housing to seal the sterilization chamber. In particular, at least one sealing member is provided on the decontamination unit to seal each slot so that an airtight gap is formed between the sterilization chamber and the environment surrounding the decontamination unit. In an embodiment of a decontamination unit comprising a flash lamp cartridge comprising a tubular sheath body and at least one sheath cap, the sealing member is arranged such that the cap is located on the side of the sealing member farther from the sterilization chamber. May be done.

In embodiment 42 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by any one of embodiments 20-41, the openings define a flat subject area, flash lamps, in particular flash tubes and / or transparent windows. In particular, the window of the cartridge is offset with respect to the area of interest. The flat object area may correspond to a section or component of an object in a pharmaceutical or food container, such as a cap, lid, plate, bottom, wall, etc. The flat object area may correspond to the surface of the food object. The flat target area may correspond to the cross-sectional area of the tunnel. The flat target area defines a plane and a perpendicular direction with respect to the plane. The plane may be limited by the extent of the object or the extent of the tunnel. The flash lamp may be radially offset with respect to the central axis of the target area over a distance longer than the range of the target area. The flash lamp may be offset by an angle with respect to the perpendicular direction. For example, the flash lamp may be placed behind a window that is transparent to the area of interest, and the window may define the direction of radiation in the center of the flash lamp. The central radial direction can be at least 10 ° and at least 30 ° to the perpendicular direction. The central radial direction can be at most 80 ° and at most 60 ° with respect to the perpendicular direction.

In the 43rd embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by the 42nd embodiment, and the flash lamp is offset in the radial direction with respect to the target area.

In embodiment 44 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 42 or 43, the area of interest defines a central axis that is particularly perpendicular to the perpendicular direction, and the flashlamp is at least 10 ° with respect to the area of interest. , At least 30 ° and / or at most 60 ° or at most 80 °, offset in the angular direction.

In embodiment 45 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 20 to 44, and the sterilization chamber is kept under excessive pressure. The overpressure may be at least 1 bar, at least 2 bars or at least 3 bars. In particular, the overpressure may be about 4 bar.

In embodiment 46 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 20 to 45, and the flash lamp is a flash accommodated in a cartridge according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19. It is a tube.

In embodiment 47 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is realized by embodiment 46 and further comprises a positive connection for holding the cartridge. In particular, the socket and the cartridge correspond to each other to form a positive connection.

In embodiment 48 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 47, where the slot and the cartridge correspond to each other to form a positive connection.

In embodiment 49 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 20 to 48 and includes exactly one flash lamp.

In embodiment 50 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by any one of embodiments 20-49, and the sterilization chamber has at least one reflective inner surface. In particular, the two or more inner surfaces of the sterilization chamber are reflective. In particular, all inner surfaces of the sterilization chamber are reflective.

In embodiment 51 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is realized by embodiment 50 and the reflective inner surface is coated with a reflective coating. The reflective coating may be a gold coating, an aluminum coating, or the like. Preferably, the reflective coating reflects at least 99% of the UV radiation emitted by the flash lamp. Preferably, the reflective coating reflects at least 90% or at least 99% of all radiation emitted by the flash lamp.

In embodiment 52 according to the invention, the decontamination unit is implemented by embodiment 50 or 51 and the reflective inner surface is the surface of a polished metal, in particular aluminum or stainless steel.

In the 53rd embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of the 20th to 52nd embodiments, and the power supply source for operating the flash lamp is arranged remotely from the decontamination unit.

In embodiment 54 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 20 to 53, further comprising a sensor for detecting ultraviolet light irradiation in the sterilization chamber.

In embodiment 55 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by embodiment 54 and further comprises means for measuring ultraviolet light irradiation.

In the 56th embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by the 54th or 55th embodiment, further comprising specific means for identifying that the ultraviolet light irradiation exceeds a predetermined irradiation amount threshold value. The particular means may generate a warning signal when the ultraviolet light irradiation exceeds a predetermined (upper, first) dose threshold. The particular means may generate a warning signal if the UV irradiation does not exceed a predetermined (lower, second) dose threshold.

In embodiment 57 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 20 to 56, and the decontamination unit does not have a sterilizing fluid discharge means.

In embodiment 58 according to the present invention, the decontamination unit is realized by any one of embodiments 20 to 57, and the decontamination unit further comprises one or more processing components for manipulating the sterilized object. I have. Operations may include thermal and / or mechanical operations.

Embodiment 59 according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to a decontamination array including a plurality of decontamination units according to any one of embodiments 20 to 58 and a controller for operating the plurality of decontamination units. The controller may be an analog controller, a digital controller, or a combination thereof. The controller may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The controller may include DLC.

In the 60th embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination array of the 59th embodiment further includes a support structure for supporting the decontamination unit and an actuator for causing the support structure to repeatedly move. The repetitive motion may be a linear reciprocating motion. The repetitive motion may include a first reciprocating motion along a first axis of motion, which can be a horizontal motion axis or a vertical motion axis. The repetitive motion may include a second reciprocating motion along a second axis of motion, which can be a horizontal axis of motion or a vertical axis of motion.

In the 61st embodiment of the present invention, the decontamination array of the 60th embodiment has a support structure of a rotating wheel.

In embodiment 62 according to the invention, the decontamination array of any one of embodiments 59 to 61 further comprises a single power source for operating the plurality of decontamination units.

In embodiment 63 according to the invention, the decontamination array of any one of embodiments 59 to 62 has a controller with a frequency lower than 1 Hz, lower than 1/2 Hz, preferably about 1/3 Hz. Triggers the individual flashlamps of the decontamination unit.

In embodiment 64 according to the invention, in the decontamination array of any one of embodiments 59-63, the controller triggers the individual flashlamps in a chain and / or sequence. Triggering in a chain may indicate that the flashlamps are triggered at different time points, eg, one after the other, for example clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the repetitive motion of the support structure. Triggering one after the other means that only one of the flashlamps of the multiple decontamination units is triggered at any given time, in particular so that only one of the multiple decontamination units is optional. It may be shown that a flashlight is emitted at a given time.

In embodiment 65 according to the invention, the decontamination array of any one of embodiments 59 to 64 is an individual controller based on a predetermined trigger position of each decontamination unit along a repetitive motion. Trigger the flashlight. For example, each individual decontamination unit may be triggered upon reaching a particular trigger position at rest for the repetitive motion of the support structure. In particular, the controller may trigger individual flashlamps after each decontamination unit reaches or passes a trigger position along its repetitive motion path. When the unit is held by a rotating wheel-shaped support structure, one stationary trigger position is defined for the wheel-shaped support structure, and each individual decontamination unit is said to be the trigger. The decontamination unit may be triggered by the controller when or after the position is reached. Each decontamination unit may operate in an iterative processing cycle involving at least one UV flash light decontamination step. Each UV flash light decontamination step may include an emission that is at least one pulsed emission. Each UV flash light decontamination step may include emission, which is at most 4 or 5 pulsed emissions. In particular, each UV flash light decontamination step may include emissions that are exactly two or exactly three pulsed emissions.

In embodiment 66 according to the invention, the decontamination array of any one of embodiments 59 to 65 is at least 10, at least 20 and / or at most 100, at most 50, preferably 20. It is equipped with 40 to 40 decontamination units.

In one embodiment 67 according to the present invention, the decontamination array is realized by any one of embodiments 59 to 66, and each decontamination unit has at least one ultraviolet flash light decontamination step and each decontamination. It may operate in an iterative processing cycle that includes an additional processing step utilizing at least one processing instrument for manipulating the object in the sterilization chamber of the unit. One cycle may take at least 1 second and at most 5 seconds, preferably at least 2.0 seconds and at most 3.5 seconds. At least one ultraviolet flash light decontamination step may take 0.01 seconds to 0.5 seconds, particularly 0.05 seconds to 0.3 seconds, preferably 0.15 seconds to 0.25 seconds. Further processing steps include an object insertion step for introducing the object into the sterilization chamber through the tunnel, an object removal step for removing the object from the sterilization chamber through the tunnel, a mechanical processing step, and a thermal processing step. At least one of them may be included.

Flash Lamp As described herein, a flash lamp according to the present invention refers to a light source capable of emitting a short light pulse or a flash as a whole. Flashlamps generate strong non-interfering light emissions over a short duration. The duration of emission of flash or pulsed light may be sustained over at least 0.1 μs, at least 0.3 μs, at least 0.5 μs, or at least 0.6 μs. The duration of flash or pulsed light emission may last less than 10 μs, less than 5 μs, less than 2 μs, or less than 1.5 μs, selectively less than 1 μs or less than 0.8 μs. ..

The flashlamp has two electrodes, namely a cathode and an anode. In addition, the flash lamp is equipped with a trigger. The anode and cathode are housed in a gas-filled sealed glass envelope (bulb). The glass envelope may be made of fused quartz, borosilicate glass, or quartz glass. Quartz glass is sometimes called synthetic silica glass. The gas can be a noble gas containing argon, xenon, or krypton. The flashlamp is filled with gas, which, when triggered, ionizes and transmits a high voltage pulse to generate light. The gas in the flash lamp may exhibit extremely high electrical resistance so that the flash lamp does not conduct electricity from the anode to the cathode until the gas is ionized. When triggered, the gas is ionized and a spark or arc is formed between the electrodes, allowing the voltage source, especially the capacitor, to be discharged. The trigger induces the ionization of the gas in the flash lamp. The trigger can be an antenna-like probe to stabilize and / or facilitate the arc of the flashlamp.

Flashtube The flashtube according to the invention described herein is a particular type of flashlamp that is generally tubular and has a vertically elongated design. The flashtube may be entirely linear. The flashtube may define an axial extension length. The flash tube may be manufactured from a glass tube of a predetermined length having electrodes (capacitors) at both ends. The glass envelope of the flashtube may preferably have the shape of a hollow cylinder. The electrodes of the flashtube, ie, the anode and the cathode, are located at the opposite ends of the flashtube. The electrodes may be located at the axially opposite ends of the flashtube. The electrodes project into the respective ends of the tube. The electrodes are sealed in the glass envelope (bulb) of the flashtube. An intermittent space along the axial length of the flashtube separates the anode from the cathode in the axial direction. An arc is formed in this intermittent space. The electrodes of the flash lamp may be connected to a voltage source such as a capacitor, which may be charged at a relatively high voltage (250-5000 V or higher). Preferably, the electrodes may be charged at a high voltage of 700V to 1100V, more preferably 750V to 950V, particularly 800V to 900V.

Ultraviolet (UV) light The flash lamps according to the invention, especially flashtubes, emit ultraviolet light. According to DIN5031-7, ultraviolet (UV) radiation refers to wavelengths from 10 nm to 380 nm. UV-A radiation may refer to ultraviolet light in the wavelength range of 315 to 380 nm. UV-B radiation may refer to the wavelength range of 280-315 nm. UV-C radiation may refer to the wavelength range of 100 to 280 nm. EUV radiation may refer to the wavelength range of 10 nm to 121 nm. According to the present invention, a wavelength range of 200 nm to 300 nm may be preferable.

Flashlamps, especially flashtubes according to the present invention, emit at least a portion, preferably most (mostly means 50% or more) of radiation having a wavelength of 10 nm to 1110 nm. At least a portion of the radiation emitted by the flash lamps according to the invention has wavelengths in the ultraviolet range of 10 nm to 380 nm. Preferably, most (at least 50%) of the light emitted by the flash lamps according to the invention has a wavelength range of 10 nm to 380 nm.

Cartridge The cartridge according to the invention refers to the container that surrounds the flash lamp. The flashlamp, including its glass envelope, is completely contained within the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a sheath surrounding a flash lamp, which can preferably be a flashtube. The cartridge may consist of a sheath surrounding a flash lamp, which can preferably be a flash tube. For example, the cartridge may include a tube with a cap as a sheath surrounding the glass envelope of the flash lamp. The cartridge may be designed so that the flash lamp becomes inoperable when the sheath is removed. The cartridge may be designed so that the flashlamp and sheath are reversibly attached to each other. The cartridge can be designed so that the flash lamp and sheath are irreversibly attached to each other (ie, removal of the sheath from the flash lamp can only be performed by destructive means). Preferably, the cartridge is designed to withstand an overpressure atmosphere of at least 2 bar, at least 3 bar, or at least 4 bar around the cartridge.

Sheath The sheath may contain one or more materials that are different from the glass envelope of the flash lamp. The cartridge forms a unit consisting of a flash lamp, in particular a flash tube, and a sheath surrounding the flash lamp. The sheath may preferably be a solid barrier. It is clear that the sheath is separated from and / or different from the glass envelope of the flash lamp, especially the flashtube. The sheath may be made from one or more materials that are mechanically hard. The sheath material may be a sterile material. Suitable sheath materials include materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, PEEK, ceramics, and glass. The sheath may include or consist of, for example, fused silica glass, borosilicate glass, or quartz glass.

The sheath may shield the flashlamp from environmental effects, including at least one of electrical, mechanical, chemical, biological, and chemical degradation. The sheath makes direct contact with the flashlamps contained therein, in particular the flashtube, without environmental control, especially with contact with at least one of dust, air, water, electric current, and mechanical force. You may prevent it.

The sheath may be manufactured from an opaque material and may be provided with a transparent window. In the context of the present invention, the terms "opaque" and "transparent" relate to whether or not ultraviolet light can be transmitted.

Sterilizable Materials Sterilizable materials include materials that can be repeatedly subjected to decontamination means, including UV light decontamination and chemical decontamination using decontamination fluids, preferably without unacceptable degradation. Sterilizable materials are, in particular, materials that can efficiently remove microorganisms from them. Sterilizable materials include materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, PEEK, ceramics and glass. The sterilable material may be an electropolished metal material, in particular electropolished stainless steel or aluminum.

Ports According to the invention, the cartridge comprises a port to provide a controlled doorway to allow supply to the flashlamp through the barrier of the cartridge in the form of a sheath. The one or more ports may be the only means of putting the medium in and / or out of the sheath. The medium may include a voltage for supplying electrical equipment, electricity for triggering to ionize gas, or electricity for operating a sparker, as previously used. The medium may include a refrigerant including a fluid refrigerant and / or a gaseous refrigerant. The fluid refrigerant may be water, particularly deionized water. The gaseous refrigerant may be nitrogen or ambient air. In a preferred embodiment, the flash lamp cartridge and at least one of the decontamination units are completely free of fluid refrigerant.

Medium Connector The medium connector may include protrusions or holes. The medium connector may be pins, plugs, and holes selectively surrounded by encapsulations and the like. The medium connector may be connected to an electrode, a trigger, or the like. The medium connector of the flash lamp, in particular the flash lamp cartridge, may be integrally formed with the components of the flash lamp, in particular the flash tube. For example, the electrodes of a flash lamp may comprise a portion that exits the flash lamp and extends through a sheath to act as a medium connector. The medium connector may be an electrical connection such as a grounded connector, such as a reference grounded connection or a safe grounded connection. The ground connector may be provided to connect a conductive portion of the cartridge, such as a stainless steel tubular body of the sheath, to a ground wire to make the conductive portion a reference ground and / or a safe ground.

The housing decontamination unit comprises a flashlamp and a housing surrounding the sterilization chamber. The housing may block the environment around the decontamination unit from the UV emission of the flash lamp. The housing surrounds the germicidal chamber and flash lamps. If the flash lamp is part of a flash lamp cartridge, the housing may surround the flash lamp cartridge. The housing may be entirely cubic. The housing may have a different shape. The housing comprises at least one chamber, which is surrounded by one or more wall compartments of the housing. For example, if the housing is entirely cubic, the chamber within the housing may be limited in scope by the six wall compartments of the housing. The overall geometric composition of the housing and chamber is selected so that the geometric properties offer a wide range of different choices for efficient manufacturing, assembly, and sterilization within the chamber. It becomes clear.

The housing has at least one opening through one wall section of the housing for inserting the sterilization object into the sterilization chamber and / or removing the sterilization object from the sterilization chamber. The opening may be called a tunnel. The cross-section of the tunnel may be the same as or smaller than the cross-section of the sterilization chamber. The housing may have exactly one tunnel. The housing, especially its opening, may be completely free of guide tubes or other guides for the object.

The housing may shield the sterilized object in the sterilization chamber from environmental influences. Environmental effects may include mechanical effects, biological contamination, chemical contamination, etc., and the object to be sterilized is placed in the sterilization chamber. The sterilization unit may be supplied with pressurized clean air so that the sterilization chamber is always kept under pressure. The overpressure is higher than the ambient air pressure in the environment of the processing unit. Overpressure may exceed 2 bar. Overpressure may exceed 3 bar. Overpressure may exceed 4 bar. Preferably, the overpressure is less than 10 bar or less than 5 bar. This overpressure may result in a constant air flow from the clean air source through the sterilization chamber and any of its holes (including openings or tunnels) to the environment surrounding the decontamination unit. By filling the sterilization chamber with clean air, it is possible to prevent the object to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber from being contaminated by the contaminated air.

The housing may hold additional object processing equipment, including object manipulation equipment for manipulating the object in the sterilization chamber. The object manipulation device may include a thermal manipulation device. The thermal manipulation device may thermally manipulate the sterilized object, for example, heat or cool the sterilized object. The object manipulating device may include a mechanical manipulating device. The mechanically operated device may be designed to act mechanically on the object to be sterilized. The mechanically operated device may move the object to be sterilized, including linear and rotary motions. The mechanically operated device may mechanically process the object to be sterilized. Mechanical treatment may include adding the substance to the object to be sterilized or removing the substance from the object to be sterilized. It is clear that the mechanical or thermal operating equipment described herein affects the object to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber.

The housing may have one or more slots formed on the outer surface of the housing and extending through the wall section of the housing into the sterilization chamber.

The term "outer surface" as a whole refers to the surface of the housing facing the environment around the decontamination unit. The term "inner surface" as a whole refers to the surface of the housing facing the sterilization chamber of the decontamination unit. The sterilization chamber is limited in scope by one or more inner surfaces of the housing.

Slots One or more slots are designed to accommodate flash lamps, especially flash lamp cartridges. In one embodiment that can be combined with the embodiments described above, the housing comprises exactly one or exactly two slots extending into the sterilization chamber, within which the tunnel described above is located. linked.

It may be preferable that at least one slot and the flashlamp cartridge correspond to each other. The cartridge and at least one slot may correspond to each other in that the cartridge can only be inserted into the slot in a predetermined orientation and / or alignment. The cartridge and at least one slot may correspond to each other so that the slots are hermetically sealed when the cartridge is housed in the housing. The cartridge and at least one slot may correspond to each other in that they together form a positive connection. The cartridge and the slot may correspond to each other so that the cartridge housed in at least one slot cannot move in at least one direction, preferably in the radial or rotational direction. The cartridge and the slot may correspond to each other so that the cartridge housed in at least one slot can perform only a predetermined movement in one direction, for example, a predetermined movement in the axial direction.

Interface The interface may include a mechanical connection of a socket for mounting a flash lamp, in particular a flash lamp cartridge. Flash lamps, in particular flash lamp cartridges, and / or interfaces may include at least one mounting feature, such as a protrusion or recess. Flash lamps, in particular flash lamp cartridges and / or interfaces, may include collaborative mounting features. The mounting feature portion may include a mating portion. The mounting feature may include a protrusion integrally formed with the interface or sheath.

Alternatively or additionally, the interface may include one or more media connectors of sockets for feeding flash lamps, especially flash lamp cartridges. The socket may have one or more media connectors corresponding to one or more media connectors on the port of the flash lamp cartridge.

The interface of the socket may be designed to correspond to the port of the flashlamp cartridge. The decontamination unit may include a first interface that corresponds only to the first port of the flashlamp cartridge. Further, the decontamination unit may be provided with a second interface corresponding only to the second port of the flash lamp cartridge. Interfaces and ports may correspond to each other like pins and plugs. The flashlamp cartridge may be made operational by attaching at least one port to the corresponding at least one interface.

The following schematics show aspects of the invention in connection with some exemplary diagrams to gain a better understanding of the invention. Further embodiments, features, and technical aspects are described in the claims. Further details of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure of the flash lamp cartridge by this invention. It is a perspective view of the flash lamp cartridge shown in FIG. 1 arranged between two sockets. It is an exploded view of another embodiment of the flash lamp cartridge according to this invention between two sockets. It is a front view of the sterilization unit by this invention. It is a side view of the decontamination unit of FIG. 4A. It is a first sectional view of the decontamination unit along the line AA of FIG. 4A. 2 is a second schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC through the housing of the decontamination unit of FIG. 4B. It is an exploded view of the further embodiment of the flash lamp cartridge according to this invention between two sockets.

In the following description of preferred embodiments according to the invention, similar or identical components are designated by similar or identical reference numerals.

The flash lamp cartridge according to the present invention is generally represented by reference numeral 1. The decontamination unit according to the present invention is generally represented by reference numeral 100. The main components of the flash lamp cartridge 1 according to the present invention are a flash tube 10 for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulse shape and a sheath 20 surrounding the flash tube 10.

The sheath 20 may include a tubular body 23 having an overall tubular cross-sectional area that defines an axial direction A and a radial direction R in the radial direction with respect to the axial direction A. In axial direction A, the opposite ends of the tubular body 23 of the sheath 20 may be closed by caps 24, 25, respectively. Therefore, the flash tube 10 is totally surrounded in the radial direction R by the tubular body 23 along the entire axial length thereof, and at both ends opposite to each other, the axial lines are along the cross-sectional areas of the caps 24 and 25, respectively. It is possible to be surrounded in a direction. The sheath 20 prevents uncontrolled contact between the flashtube 10 contained therein and an environmental medium containing liquid, gas and electricity.

In order to supply the flash tube with the electricity required for its operation, the flashlamp cartridge 1 according to the invention may be provided with one or more ports 40, 50 having one or more entrances and exits for the medium. .. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the cartridge 1 comprises exactly two ports 40 and 50 realized by the caps 24 and 25. Each cap 24, 25 is provided with a plurality of medium connectors 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 52, 54. The medium connector includes an electrode connector for 41, 51 for supplying an operating voltage of several hundred volts to the electrodes in the flash tube 10, that is, the cathode a and the anode 5.

In this example, the cap 24 on the right side further comprises a trigger connector 43 to connect the trigger wire 3. The trigger wire 3 may have a radius of about 0.25 mm. In this example, the tubular sheath body 23 may be made of stainless steel. In such an embodiment in which the tubular body 23 is conductive, it may be preferable to house the trigger wire 3 in a capillary tube 13 made of an insulator such as quartz glass. Such a capillary 13 may have an inner diameter of 0.35 mm.

The sheath 20, including both the tubular body 23 and the caps 24, 25, has a diameter of at least 5 mm, particularly at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm and / or at most 100 mm, particularly at most 50 mm, preferably at most 20 mm. It's okay. In this example, the diameter may be about 17 mm. The axial length of the sheath 20 may be at least 50 mm, in particular at least 75 mm and / or at most 150 mm, in particular at most 100 mm. For example, the length may be about 86 mm. The diameters of the electrode connectors 41, 50 may be larger than 2 mm, particularly larger than 3 mm, and / or smaller than 12 mm, particularly smaller than 8 mm.

The flash tube 10 comprises an envelope 7 of a glass material, particularly a quartz glass material. Quartz glass is particularly permeable to ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 300 nm. The glass envelope 17 is sealed and connected so as to surround the anode 4 and the cathode 5 of the flash tube 10. The interior 16 of the flashtube 10 is filled with a noble gas, preferably xenon.

The flashtube 10, preferably its glass envelope 17, may be separated from the tubular body 23 of the sheath by a refrigerant chamber 26 surrounding the flashtube. The refrigerant chamber 26 extends radially between the glass envelope 17 and the tubular housing 23. In the axial direction 8, the refrigerant chamber 26 extends from the cap 24 on the right side to the cap 25 on the left side. Each cap 24, 25 comprises a refrigerant connector 44, 54 as one of the respective medium connectors, one of which functions as an inlet for the refrigerant and the other as an outlet. The refrigerant may be preferably a refrigerant gas, particularly nitrogen or ambient air.

The tubular body 23 may have annular grooves at both ends in the axial direction for accommodating the engaging portions of the caps 24 and 25, respectively. The caps 24 and 25 may be made of PEEK. The caps 24, 25 may include one or more clip portions for engaging the caps 24, 25 with recesses such as the annular groove of the tubular body 23 to attach the caps 24, 25 to the tubular body 23.

The tubular body 23 and the right side, i.e., the first cap 24 and the left side, i.e., the second cap 25, are opaque to UV radiation. The cartridge 1 is provided with a window 27 that is transparent to ultraviolet radiation so that the light emitted by the flash tube 10 surrounded by the cartridge 1 can advance. The window 27 may extend in the axial direction A from the cathode 4 of the flash tube 10 to the anode 5. The window 27 forms a portion of the sheath 10 that separates the flash tube 10 in the sheath 20 from, for example, the perimeter of the cartridge containing the sterilization chamber 110. A sealing member, such as an O-ring 28, may be arranged between the axial end of the sheath 20 and the window 27, whereby the cartridge 1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion, eg, the slot 114 of the housing 120 of the decontamination unit. When fitted into the 115, the sealing member separates the environment surrounding the decontamination unit 100 from the sterilization chamber 110 therein. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge of FIG. 1 does not include a sealing member. Instead of providing a sealing member for the cartridge, the sealing member can be eliminated or attached to the housing 120.

As can be most clearly seen in FIG. 5B, the electrodes 4 and 5, their connectors 41 and 51, the flash tube 10 and the sheath 20 may all be coaxially aligned with respect to the common axis A. The cartridge 1 may include one or more mounting features. For example, the cartridge 1 may include mounting feature portions 31, 32 protruding in the radial direction, as shown in FIG. The mounting feature portion 31 is integrally formed with the first cap 24 of the sheath 20. The second cap 25 in this example does not have a mounting feature portion extending in the radial direction, such as the mounting feature portion 31 of the first cap 24. This prevents the cartridge 1 from being erroneously inserted into the accommodating portion. A mounting feature portion extending in the radial direction, such as the mounting feature portion 32, may also be provided on the outside of the tubular body 23. The cartridge 1 of FIG. 1 differs from the cartridges shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 in that there is no mounting feature on the outside of the tubular body 23.

Ports 40, 50 of the cartridge may include a medium connector that functions as a ground connector 42, 52. In order to avoid a spark between the electrode connector 41 and the ground pin 42, an insulator protruding in the axial direction a may be arranged between the first ground connector 42 and the first electrode connector 41. The second insulator 57 may be part of a second port 50 to avoid sparks between the second electrode connector 51 and the second ground pin 52. A first ground pin 42 and / or a second ground pin 52 is provided to establish a ground connection for the cartridge, in particular for any conductive member thereof, including, for example, a metal tubular member 23. It's okay. The caps 24, 25 may be preferably manufactured from an insulator.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first port 40 is different from the second port 50. The medium connector of the first port 40 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the medium connector of the second port 50. Further, the first port 40 may differ from the second port 50 in that the first port 40 comprises a trigger connector 44 and the second port does not. Additional or alternative, caps 24, 25 may be provided with one or more different mounting features. Here, the first cap 24 comprises a radial extension to form a radial mounting feature 31. The second cap 25 does not have a mounting feature that extends radially. Both the first and second caps 24 and 25 may include mounting features 34 or 35 extending along the axis, respectively, which mounting features 34 or 35 are mirror images similar to the media connector of the port. Arranged symmetrically. The different arrangement of the media connector and / or the mounting feature on the caps 24 and 25 ensures that the cartridge 1 can only be properly mounted in the accommodating section.

4A and 4B show the decontamination unit according to the present invention from the outside, and FIGS. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views thereof. The decontamination unit 100 may include a flash lamp realized as a flash lamp cartridge 1 including a flash tube 10. The decontamination unit 100 according to the present invention may include different flash tubes.

According to the present invention, the decontamination unit 100 and the flash lamp are designed so that the flash lamp can be inserted and operated in the housing 120 of the decontamination unit 100 without disassembling the decontamination unit 100. For this purpose, at least one slot 114, 115 is provided on the outer surface 122 or 123 of the housing 120. The flash lamp is inserted into the housing from the outside via the slots 114 and 115. Sockets 124, 125 or different covers may be provided to close slots 114, 115 that house the flash lamps. One or more interfaces 140, 150 for operably connecting the flash lamp to one or more medium connectors may be provided in the decontamination unit 100. The interface may be implemented as part of a socket 124 or 125 that is removable and mountable to the housing. Alternatively, the at least one interface may be implemented as part of the housing, in particular as a portion immovably attached to the housing or a component of the housing, eg, a portion integrally formed with a wall compartment (in detail). Is not shown).

The flashtube or other flashlamp may be attached directly to the socket. For example, the decontamination unit according to the invention may include a flashlight without a cartridge. The decontamination unit according to the present invention may include a flash lamp with or without a sheath. The decontamination unit according to the invention may have all media connectors on only one end thereof. It may be preferable to use flashlamps with media connectors on opposite ends in the axial direction. This is because this flashlamp has proven to be particularly suitable for narrow spatial constraints.

The decontamination unit 100 includes a housing 120. The housing 120 of the preferred example shown in FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5C has a housing 120 having outer surfaces 122, 123 opposite to each other, on the outer surfaces 122, 123, respectively. Sockets 124 and 125 are attached. As shown in the figure, the sockets 124, 125 may be dissociably attached to the housing 120, for example using screws.

The housing 120 surrounds the sterilization chamber 110 therein. The object to be sterilized can enter and exit the sterilization chamber 110 through a tunnel or other opening 121. In this example, the tunnel 121 has a circular cross section. The tunnel 121 may have a different shape. The opening 121 may have a width of at least 5 mm, particularly at least 10 mm and / or at most 100 mm, particularly at most 40 mm, in particular diameter y.

The axis A of the flash lamp, particularly the flash tube 10, may be perpendicular and / or radial away from the center of the target area defined by the opening 121. The distance x between the center of the opening 121, perpendicular and / or radial to the perpendicular N defined by the area of interest, is at least 5 mm, especially at least 10 mm and / or at most 50 mm, especially at most 30 mm. Can be. Alternatively, between the axis A of the flashlamp, especially the flashtube, and the perpendicular N passing through the center of the area of interest, at least 0 °, at least 10 °, at least 30 ° and / or at most 90 °, especially at most. There may be an angle offset of 80 °.

The decontamination unit 100 may include a radiation sensor 102 for detecting ultraviolet radiation in the sterilization chamber 110. Sensor 102 identifies the magnitude of radiation within the sterilization chamber, including means for measuring ultraviolet radiation and / or means for comparing the magnitude of the radiation to a predetermined upper and / or lower threshold. May include means for doing so.

The decontamination unit housing 120 and the flash lamps, in particular the flash lamp cartridge 1, correspond to each other so that the decontamination unit may include one or more containments for one or more flash lamps. May be formed. The accommodating portion may be realized, for example, as one or more slots 114, 115 extending from the outer surface 122 or 123 to the inner surface 112 and / or 113 and tightening the accommodating portion of the sterilization chamber 110. One or more slots such that a positive connection is formed between the housing 120 and the flash lamps, especially the flash lamp cartridges, especially along at least a portion of the housing, especially along the entire housing. 114, 115 may be designed to accommodate flash tubes, especially flash lamp cartridges.

The first slot 114 comprises one or more mounting features for engaging the flash lamp, in particular the corresponding mounting feature of the flash lamp cartridge 1, in particular the radial overhang 31 of the cartridge 1. good. The slots 114, 115 or other accommodating portions may have a cross-sectional width corresponding to the dimensions of the flash lamp, in particular the flash lamp cartridge 1, such as a circular cross section of a predetermined diameter. The mounting feature of the flash lamp, especially the flash lamp cartridge 1, may determine the orientation of the flash lamp with respect to the housing 120 and the target area so that the flash lamp can illuminate the target area. For this purpose, one or more mounting features may orient the window 27 of the cartridge 1 so that the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the flash lamps is directed towards the area to be sterilized. The range of the axial direction A of the sterilization chamber 110 may be longer than or equal to the axial range of the window 27. The decontamination unit 120 may include a mechanical and / or thermal operating tool 105 for manipulating objects in the sterilization chamber 110.

Interfaces 140, 150 are provided in one or more sockets 124, 125 in order to securely attach the flash lamp, which may be integrated as a flash tube 10 in the cartridge 1, to the housing 120 of the decontamination unit 100. It may be provided. Interfaces 140, 150 may correspond to exactly one or at least one port 40 or 50 of the cartridge 1. Sockets 124, 125 may include one or more mounting features 134, 135 for cooperating with one or more corresponding mounting features 34, 35 of the flashlamp cartridge 1. Interfaces 140, 150 of sockets 124, 125 may include media connectors 141, 142, 143, 144, 151, 152, 154 corresponding in shape and function in the medium connector of the flash lamp cartridge 1.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a further flash lamp cartridge 1 in the partially shown decontamination unit 100. Similar to FIG. 3, this schematic does not explicitly show the housing 120, and the features of the housing can be inferred from FIGS. 4A-5B. The flash lamp cartridge 1 of FIG. 6 and the sockets 124 and 125 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are substantially the same as those described above.

The flash lamp cartridge 1 of FIG. 6 is substantially different from the above-mentioned flash lamp cartridge only in the annular mounting feature portions 631, 632 and the mounting tab 627 protruding in the axial direction. The sockets 124, 125 of the embodiment of FIG. 6 are adapted according to the mounting features 631, 632 and mounting tabs 627. Further, one of the sockets 125 includes an accommodating portion 729 for accommodating the mounting tab 627 when the flash lamp cartridge 1 is inserted into the decontamination unit 100.

Further, the socket 124 comprises a mounting screw 727 with a large star-shaped screw head for tool-less manual operation. To allow quick access to the flashlamp cartridge 1 and the slot 115 of the housing 120 for accommodating the cartridge 1, the socket 125 uses the assembly screw 727 without any tools and the housing (more specifically). It can be easily separated from (not shown). Instead of the assembly screw 727 shown, another tool-less, manually operable fixing device, such as a spring-loaded bayonet latch, or a rapid cure, can be used in its place.

The flash lamp cartridge 1 has an annular mounting feature 631,632 protruding in the axial direction for engaging with one of the complementary shaped recesses of the respective sockets 124, 125, respectively. It has 24 and 25. The mounting feature portion 632 projecting in an annular shape extends in the axial direction A longer than the medium connector of the cartridge, for example, the electrode connector 51. The medium connector, including the electrode connector 51, is protected by an annularly projecting sleeve-shaped mounting feature 632 (or 631). An annularly projecting mounting feature 631,632 radially surrounds all media connectors on the respective caps 24 or 25 of the cartridge 1.

The first cap 24 includes a radial inwardly projecting mounting feature (not shown in more detail) for connecting to the radial recesses of the respective complementary shapes of the socket 124. The cap 25 is provided with a mounting feature 32 that projects radially outward for insertion into a complementary shaped recess of the second socket 125 (not shown).

To facilitate assembly and disassembly of the cartridge 1 within the decontamination assembly 100, the cartridge 1 is provided with a mounting tab 627, which mounts a bracket protruding outward from the cartridge 1. The bracket can be formed and the manual operator can easily grip it to apply a pushing or pulling force in the axial direction A to attach or remove the flashlamp cartridge 1. The mounting bracket 627 is immovably mountable to the flashlamp cartridge 1 or is mountable via a hinge connection 629. When the cartridge 1 is mounted on the decontamination unit 100, the hinge connection 629 allows the mounting tab 627 to be located within the accommodating portion 729 of the socket 125 with the mounting tab 627 oriented radially. The mounting tab 627 can be moved to extend axially A from the cap 25 via the hinge connection 629, whereby the manual operator can easily push the cartridge 1 into the accommodating portion 115. And / or the cartridge 1 can be pulled out from the accommodating portion 115 in the axial direction A.

The claims, the features disclosed in the specification and the drawings, individually or in any combination with each other, are essential for the different embodiments of the invention claimed.

Annex Unless otherwise stated, the test may be considered to have been performed at an ambient temperature of 23 ° C., an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm), and a relative humidity of 50%.

The following tests were carried out to establish the effectiveness of the decontamination treatment using the flash light according to the present invention. All tests exceeded a log reduction of 3 for Aspergillus brasiliensis and Bacillus atrophaeus.

Claims (16)

A flash lamp cartridge (1) for the decontamination unit (100), which includes a flash tube (10) for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulse shape, a sheath (20) surrounding the flash tube (10), and the like. Flash lamp cartridge (1). The sheath is at least one port (40) comprising one or more medium connectors (41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 52) extending through the sheath to supply the flashtube. , 50), particularly the flashlamp cartridge (1) of claim 1, comprising exactly two ports (40, 50). Two ports (40, 50) are provided on different sides of the flash lamp cartridge (1), in particular the two ports are located at opposite ends of the flash lamp cartridge (1). , The flash lamp cartridge (1) according to claim 2. At least one of the ports (40, 50) is the media connector below, namely (i) electrode connector (41, 51), (ii) trigger connector (43), (iii) grounded connector (42, 52). (Iv) The flash lamp cartridge (1) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising at least one of the refrigerant connectors (44). The sheath (20) comprises at least a partially tubular tubular body (23) that surrounds the flashtube (10), and in particular at least one cap (24,) for closing at least one axial end. 25) The flash lamp cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising 25). Claims 1-5, wherein the sheath (20) comprises at least one mounting feature (32, 33, 34, 35) for properly aligning and orienting the cartridge (1) with the accommodating portion. The flash lamp cartridge (1) according to any one of the above items. Decontamination unit (100)
The housing (120) surrounding the sterilization chamber (110) and
An opening (121) provided in the housing (120) for inserting an object to be sterilized into the sterilization chamber (110).
A flash lamp for emitting ultraviolet light in a pulsed manner, particularly a flash tube (10) housed in the flash lamp cartridge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sterilization is performed. A flash lamp arranged in the housing (120) so as to illuminate the object in the chamber (110).
Slots (114, 115) formed on the outer surface (122, 123) of the housing (120), extending into the sterilization chamber (110) and accommodating the flash lamps (114). , 115),
Decontamination unit (100). The decontamination unit (100) according to claim 7, further comprising at least one socket (124, 125) having an interface (140, 150) connected to the flash lamp and attached to the housing (120). The socket is attached to the outer surface (122,123) of the housing, in particular the outer surface (122,123) on which the slot (114,115) is formed, and / or the socket (124, 125) The decontamination unit (100) according to claim 8, wherein the flash lamp is firmly attached to the housing (120) in a dissociative manner. The interface (140, 150) comprises mounting features (134, 135) for defining a predetermined orientation and / or alignment of the flashlamp with respect to the housing (120) and / or. , The interface (140, 150) includes at least one medium connector for supplying the flash lamp, the medium connector is (i) an electrode connector (141, 151), (ii) a trigger connector (143). , (Iii) The decontamination unit (100) according to claim 9, further comprising at least one of a grounding connector (142,152) and (iv) a refrigerant connector (144,154). The decontamination unit comprises a first socket (124) and a second socket (125), and in particular the decontamination unit comprises exactly two sockets (124, 125), particularly the first socket. The socket (124) defines a first interface (140), the second socket (125) defines a second interface (150) that is different from the first interface (140), and in particular. The first socket (125) and the second socket (125) define a pre-defined orientation and / or alignment of the flash lamp with respect to the first and second sockets (124, 125). The decontamination unit (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising different mounting features (134, 135) for the purpose. The decontamination unit comprises a first slot (114) and a second slot (115), preferably the decontamination unit (100) comprises exactly two slots (114, 115), particularly. The first slot (114) and the second slot (115) are different inner surfaces (112, 113) of the sterilization chamber (110), preferably facing each other inner surfaces (112) of the sterilization chamber. , 113), and in particular, the decontamination according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first slot (114) and the second slot (115) are aligned. Unit (100). A sensor (102) for detecting the ultraviolet irradiation in the sterilization chamber (110) is further provided, and in particular, a means for measuring the ultraviolet light irradiation is further provided, and / or the ultraviolet light irradiation is a predetermined irradiation. The decontamination unit (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising a specific means for identifying whether the amount threshold is exceeded. A decontamination array comprising the plurality of decontamination units (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 14 and a controller for operating the plurality of decontamination units. 15. The decontamination array according to claim 15, further comprising a support structure that supports the decontamination unit (100), and an actuator that causes the support structure, particularly the wheel, to perform repetitive motion such as rotational or linear reciprocating motion. .. The controller triggers the individual flashlamps of the decontamination unit (100) at a frequency lower than 1 Hz, preferably about 1/3 Hz, and / or the controller chains the individual flashlamps. The decontamination array according to claim 15 or 16, which triggers sequentially and / or one after another.

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